Ask yourself these 3 questions when branding or rebranding your business.

3 things to keep in mind when branding your business or undertaking a rebrand.

Navigating Branding: Lessons from the Trenches

After nearly two decades in the branding and logo design game, I thought I'd share some nuggets of wisdom for anyone diving into the world of branding or thinking about a rebrand. So, here are three things I've picked up along the way as a logo designer in Brisbane.

1) Will the logo design resonate with your customer?

This one's a golden rule. Your brand isn't just for you; it's for the folks who keep the lights on—your customers. Don't get caught up in designing something that only appeals to your taste buds. Tune into what your customers like and dislike, this might include looking at other brands they follow on instagram, seeing what kind of content they like and engage with. Behance and Pinterest are great tools for up-to-date branding inspo and ideas. Remember to keep your finger on the pulse longterm with graphic design, marketing and branding trends, particularly if you’re in a fast-moving industry - what flies at launch might need a tweak 5 years down the line.

2) What’s to keep in mind when reviewing your branding and logo design?

Crowdsource opinions, don’t turn to friends. When you're in the branding phase, it's tempting to turn to your mates or colleagues for advice but keep in mind, they might not be your customers. I've seen brands get a little off track by shaping their identity based on what their social circle thought. Instead of relying on family or friends, throw a poll in your social media stories for customers to weigh in on your branding. It isn’t just a goldmine of insights; it gets your customers excited to be part of the decision-making process.

3) Are my brand, domain and social handles available?

Secure your online turf. In a world where everyone's online, your brand has to have a solid digital game. Before you go all-in on a brand name or logo, do a thorough check on the web. Snagging a catchy domain name and locking down those social media handles is crucial, websites like IP Australia and ASIC’s Business Name Search are helpful for finding what is registered in Australia. Sites like Crazy Domains and GoDaddy are great for checking available domains. I always recommend engaging a solicitor in your local state who specialises in Intellectual Property to help secure trademarks and identify any other relevant considerations.

So, there you have it—some real talk on navigating the branding maze. Keep it real, listen to your customers, and make sure you register those domains and social handles.

Happy branding, my friends ✌️

Brent.
A Graphic Designer in Brisbane